KOTA BARU: Umno is leaving it to its Johor state liaison committee to make the necessary preparations in the event a state election is called in the southern state.
Its vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the Barisan Nasional (BN) backbone would decide on the rules that need to be applied in the state in the event the election is held.
However, he said any decision taken must get the consent of the state's ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
"Umno has decided in its Supreme Council meeting that we will leave it to our counterpart in Johor to decide in case a state election is held there and other related matters.
"If the state election in Johor is held early, the preparation is within the state and we will see how they have prepared on this," he said in a press conference after attending a special meeting with Kelantan Umno leaders here today.
He said Umno is always ready to face any election not only in Johor but also nationwide.
"Sooner or later, an election will be held and we have made all necessary preparations.
"Engagement with the people must be carried out all the time and the most important part is the young voters.
"I have told the party's wings to engage more with them particularly the new voters," he added.
It was reported yesterday that Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad is expected to call for a special press conference today, amidst rumours that the state legislative assembly will be dissolved soon.
Sources from Umno did not rule out the possibility that the press conference was in regards to the dissolution of the state assembly.
Speculation of a state election was rife following the death of Kempas assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian last month, leaving the Umno-led state government with only a one-seat majority in the Johor state assembly.
Currently, Barisan Nasional (BN) has 28 seats in the state assembly, comprising Umno (14 seats), Bersatu (11), MIC (two) and Pas (one), while Pakatan Harapan has 27 seats, namely DAP (14), PKR (seven) and Amanah (six).
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said Umno would hold more discussion soon on the possibility of
a state election in Johor.
Pas had said discussions on whether the party would be working with Umno in the Johor state election will only be held after the state legislative assembly was dissolved.
Its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said Pas is also prepared in the event a state election is held.